Steven A. McKay's Blog, page 33
October 13, 2016
Blood of the Wolf – the end of a long journey
My fourth and final book in the Forest Lord series, Blood of the Wolf, will be published in just a few short hours. It will be flowing down your telephone cables, bouncing off orbiting satellites and being delivered by postmen worldwide!
This isn’t just the end of the series – this is the end of a most amazing chapter in my life. It seems like only yesterday that I sat in a street in Glasgow wondering what I should write about, only to settle on Robin Hood when I saw a house named “Sherwood”. Then, a couple of years later, when I published Wolf’s Head, I dreamt of seeing it on my bookshelf as part of a full, complete series.
Tomorrow, October 14th, that dream will become reality and it feels fantastic!
All four books have been well received and early indications from reviewers with advance copies suggest Blood of the Wolf is a fitting, exciting end to the series. I hope you all agree.
Thank you for supporting me over the past three years or so and, if you’re planning on reading Blood of the Wolf tomorrow – ENJOY!
Get your copy here if you haven’t already ordered it: getBook.at/BotW
And PLEASE, please share the news on your social media pages. There’s buttons at the bottom of this post where you can share it to Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ etc and, if you’re using Twitter, maybe use the #BloodOfTheWolf hashtag?
October 11, 2016
Steven A McKay: Blood of the Wolf (Review)
The first review of Blood of the Wolf is in. Check it out!
(In his own words)
My name is Steven A. McKay and I’m a writer from Old Kilpatrick, near Glasgow in Scotland, heavily influenced by the likes of Bernard Cornwell, Douglas Jackson, Ben Kane et al.
My first book in the Forest Lord series, Wolf’s Head, was set in medieval England and it’s a fast-paced, violent retelling of the Robin Hood legends. It hit the number 1 spot in the UK “War” chart, reached the overall Kindle top 20 bestsellers list and is available on Kindle, audiobook and paperback from Amazon here: http://smarturl.it/2636
As I write, in October 2016, I’m just about to publish the fourth and final book in the series, Blood of the Wolf. I think my take on the Robin Hood legend is quite different to anything that’s been done before – check out the reviews to see for yourself.
In total, including my two novellas, Knight of the Cross
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October 8, 2016
“The Rescue” – a brand new FREE short story!
There was a snap and a shocking blur of motion as an arrow tore from the thick summer foliage behind the girl and embedded itself in the approaching man’s thigh. The missile buried itself in the muscle so hard that it knocked him off his feet and he screamed in agony as the excited dogs began barking and straining at the ropes that tethered them to the big cart.
In contrast, the great brown bear in the cage looked on in silence.
“My brother is here, lad,” Marjorie hissed, eyes moving from the fallen man to his stunned companions. “And so are his friends.”
I’ve just sent out my brand new FREE short story, “The Rescue” to everyone on my Email List!
Sign up to read it NOW and please share with your friends!
https://stevenamckay.com/mailing-list
October 7, 2016
“The Rescue” – my new FREE short story
It means I have nothing to offer new subscribers to my mailing list.
That sucks, right? I mean, where’s the incentive for people to join?
So I’ve written another one!
“The Rescue” is set in 1325 and follows our heroes (not Robin or John this time) as they attempt to save a friend in mortal danger…
I will send it out to current subscribers within the next few days and everyone signing up from now on will get “The Rescue” instead of “The Escape” as a freebie.
Please share with your friends, and sign up here to get your copy if you haven’t already joined my mailing list:
https://stevenamckay.com/mailing-list/
And don’t forget, the fourth and final Forest Lord novel, Blood of the Wolf is out on the 14th of October, pre-order available NOW for Kindle and paperback versions at the link below!
getBook.at/BotW
October 5, 2016
Book Corner: Interview with Steven McKay
New interview with yours truly!
History... the interesting bits!
Today it is an absolute pleasure to welcome author Steven McKay to the blog. Steven has written the wonderful Forest Lord series, chronicling the adventures of everyone’s favourite legend, Robin Hood. With the final book, Blood of the Wolf, out this month, Steven talked to me about his writing, inspiration and what’s coming next.
Hi Steven, thanks so much for agreeing to be a guest interviewee on my blog, History…the Interesting Bits . So, here’s the questions …
What made you become a writer?
I always wanted to write stories, ever since I was a child. I would write little daft things in my school books and things like that. I think some people are creative and have a need to let their imagination run a bit wild be it through writing or art or music or whatever. I love to create songs on my guitars, and obviously write…
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October 2, 2016
Powered by Indie!
After a fantastic September where all three of my Forest Lord books hit the overall UK Kindle top 100 and top 20 in Australia, October is shaping up to be almost as good!
Not only does Blood of the Wolf come out in less than two weeks, but throughout this month Amazon are running a promotion called “Powered By Indie“. Essentially it’s a celebration of great self-published books and authors and, amazingly, Wolf’s Head has been chosen as one of the featured books. I wrote a couple of short things for them to use during the promo although I have no idea if any of it will actually be used. Be sure I’ll share the hell out of it if they do! I don’t sell as much in the USA as I do in the UK so hopefully this gives things a wee boost over there…
I’ve also finished another new short story, starring Robin and Little John, titled “The Stapleford Prisoner” although I’m not sure how it will be published yet. I loved writing it and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too. I expect it to be completely free so keep an eye out here, on my mailing list or my social media pages.*
The main thing this month though, is Blood of the Wolf, to be released on October 14th. Early reviews of advance copies are excellent, and pre-orders are up for both Kindle and paperback versions. Nick Ellsworth has started production of the audiobook too which is great news! Nick has been the voice of the Forest Lord series since the beginning so I can’t wait to hear him read this final book.
Pre-order your Kindle or paperback copy here: getBook.at/BotW
Check out the endorsement from Parmenion Books!
Although Blood of the Wolf IS the last novel in the series, I am going to start work on another novella, this time starring Will Scaflock, set AFTER BotW. I will need to spend time researching my next series so it seemed a good idea to do another novella with the Forest Lord characters in the meantime.
Cheers all, and look out for chances to win signed copies of Blood of the Wolf, posters, bookmarks, audiobooks etc over the next two weeks. Make sure you are signed up for my email list as subscribers have extra chances to win.
*
Twitter – @SA_McKay
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RobinHoodNovel/
Mailing List signup (get a FREE Little John short story too!) – https://stevenamckay.com/mailing-list/
September 15, 2016
Blasty – a new tool for authors to fight back!
Ever noticed that some website is listing YOUR book as free to download? Without your permission and, more importantly, with no revenue at all coming to you?
Yes, media pirates have been around for as long as I can remember. Back in the 80’s kids used to copy their friend’s Iron Maiden and AC/DC LPs onto cassettes and, nowadays, we have illegal sharing of music via mp3s and ebooks through torrent sites like those ones I mentioned at the start of this piece.
No comment.
I’ve spotted pirated versions of my own books a few times over the past three years but it was always too much hassle to really do anything about it. I didn’t have a clue where to begin, and I’m sure many of you felt the same.
Honest, they’re cheap to buy on Kindle, no need for piracy!
But now there’s a new tool called BLASTY!
In a nutshell, this apparently helps you 1) find those damn pirated copies of your books and 2) have the offending page removed from the internet with just one click!
As they say themselves:
THE IDEA BEHIND BLASTY
“If it only takes one click to illegally copy a creator’s content,
it should also take one click to remove that illegal copy.”
Sounds fantastic, right? It certainly does to me although I must admit I’ve only just signed up for it so can’t tell you how well it works. Look out for a future article to find out how I get on.
In the meantime, you can sign up for it yourself, and find all the illegal copies of your books and audiobooks. It is in the Beta stage just now, so access is FREE – presumably it will be paid at some point so if you fancy it, I’d sign up now.
It takes a few days for Blasty to approve your account but they do it quicker if you get other people to sign up so, if you wouldn’t mind, click on my link HERE to try it out. As soon as I get in I’ll let you know how it goes!
Check it out and post back here with your thoughts if you give it a try.
August 29, 2016
Blood of the Wolf now available to pre-order!
The fourth and final book in my Forest Lord series is now available to pre-order on Amazon Kindle. Paperback and Audible versions will also be ready soon.
Click HERE to go directly to your own country’s Amazon page for the book.
Publication date is October 14th!
August 28, 2016
The Robin Hood Legacy attraction/ Adam Greenwood Q&A
A new attraction has opened in Nottingham, or at least it WILL tomorrow, with the Grand Opening on August 29th. The Robin Hood Legacy is creating quite a stir and I was lucky enough to bag an interview with the guy that’s running the place, Adam Greenwood!
Read on…
The Robin Hood Legacy? What is it, where is it, and who’s part of it?
The Robin Hood Legacy is the brainchild of David Ward, an entrepreneur who is the son of two champion archers. He was appalled that Nottingham had no dedicated Robin Hood attraction and decided to do something about it. He hired me to design and create the attraction, knowing that I had a keen interest in the subject, had done a vast amount of research and was passionate about Robin Hood and his legend.
The attraction is located very close to Nottingham Castle and is a story-based adventure. Visitors travel from room to room and each room contains a different “set piece” where at least one animated character talks about Robin Hood and their connection to him. The visit ends with a “museum room” with various medieval and Robin Hood-related artefacts.
You get into character for it too, dressing as Robin himself. Is this something you just started recently, to tie in with the attraction, or did you do it previously?
I’ve been portraying Robin professionally for around ten years although he has always been a character that fascinated me. My Robin Hood character began as a way to promote my first novel but, once people got to know that I played Robin Hood, I started to get invited to other events. Now there are many people for whom I am the embodiment of Robin Hood.
Are you an archer yourself?
I’d describe myself as competent but not skilled. This is something I have incorporated into my novels. My partner Sarah is actually a far more skilled archer than I am, as Holegn (Robin’s lover) is in my novels.
Ruth Knowles of Variety Characters playing Maid Marion (Matilda?!)
I assume you have a big interest in the legend of Robin Hood, as you also write books about him. Tell us a bit about those, and how you came to write them. I understand they’re a bit different to most retellings, which is crucial nowadays since the legend has become so well known. Any new version needs something to set it apart from what’s gone before, right?
My first novel, “Robin of The Wood – Legend” was written as a therapeutic exercise to deal with issues I was experiencing at the time. It is a very fantasy-based story with faeries, spirits and lots of magic. For several years I entertained the idea of a sequel or spin-off and eventually began the “Robin of The Wood – Legacy” trilogy which tells what I believe to be a more plausible tale of a man who is persuaded to take on the title and responsibilities of Robin Hood. While there are some fantasy elements, I consider these books more gritty and realistic. I would liken them to George RR Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” novels which inspired the series “Game of Thrones”.
Every memorable reinvention has incorporated new elements which become part of the “canon”. It is my sincere hope that some of the original characters and ideas my novels introduce will become part of the established Robin Hood lore, used by future story-tellers.
What’s your favourite version of Robin Hood, either in books, film, TV or whatever? Personally, I love RoS and the new audio production Knights of the Apocalypse with the old cast was really enjoyable. Have you heard it?
I love RoS but have not heard the new audio adventure. “Prince of Thieves” will always have a special place in my heart as it was really my first Robin Hood interpretation and triggered my passion. I think I would have to call RoS the definitive interpretation ‘though.
I was less keen on the recent BBC series although I thought series 3 was brilliant. Too bad the series was cancelled just as it was becoming brilliant. I thought the portrayal of Robin in the recent Doctor Who episode “Robot of Sherwood” was fantastic and a real positive contribution to the mythos.
My own books on sale in the Robin Hood Legacy!
Where can people buy your books? Do you sell them in the RHL shop?
They are available on Amazon but the copies available in the RHL shop are exclusive editions with covers that are not available anywhere else.
What do you plan on doing in the future, both with your writing and the RHL attraction? I understand there’s a Grand Opening on the 29 th of August?
I plan to finish the Legacy trilogy as well as writing a prequel which will be the same story as “Legend” but told from within the universe of the later trilogy. As for the RHL itself, we plan to constantly evolve, add new artefacts and exhibits. It’s our intention to change the stories the characters tell with the seasons. Our next plan is “Robin’s Christmas Adventure”. The Grand Opening should be a great day with lots of colourful characters and a guest appearance from Councillor Jackie Morris – the real Sheriff of Nottingham!
Have you had much publicity from the media? Radio, newspapers, TV even?
When we opened we had great features in The Nottingham Post and on Notts TV as well as BBC TV and Radio. We’re hoping the Grand Opening will generate more media interest.
Robin Hood on TV!
I heard mention of a possibility of Phil Rose, who played Friar Tuck in Robin of Sherwood, making an appearance at your shop? That would be great wouldn’t it? He was fantastic in RoS and basically IS the bold friar for many people.
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of that series for many Robin Hood fans. For so many it was their first exposure to the legend and for many others it has been adopted as the definitive interpretation. Any link to that series can only be positive!
Where can we find out more about RHL and your books?
We are very active on Facebook. I also have my own Amazon page for my books, HERE
Thanks so much to Adam for talking to me, I’m sure my readers will love this new attraction!
Check out the link below for that TV piece mentioned in the Q&A and make sure you visit the next time you and the family are in Nottingham…
http://nottstv.com/video-see-inside-citys-new-interactive-robin-hood-attraction/
August 25, 2016
Blood of the Wolf blurb and…delayed (but only a little!)
I just wanted to bring everyone up to date with what’s been happening and why the new book isn’t out yet. I know a few of you are really looking forward to it as you message me often, which is amazing. I honestly expected Blood of the Wolf be ready by now but a few things have meant there’s a little bit of a delay in publication.
Firstly, this has turned out to be the longest book I’ve written so far. The previous three novels were all around 90-100,000 words but Blood of the Wolf is at almost 109,000 and I’m still adding little bits as I edit!
Speaking of which, my editor was really busy during July and August so took longer than expected to go through the book and give me her feedback. I’m on it now, though, and it’s all coming together nicely.
Me, feeling apologetic for the delay.
There’s also been a hint – just a hint – of some amazing PR opportunities centred around the publication of this new book. I’ve not heard anything about it in the last week so it might turn out to be nothing but that would have involved another delay. In terms of my career though, it would have been well worth it. Fingers crossed on that…
The main issue for me – and I’m sure most of you will totally get this point – is the lack of hours in the day. I still work a full-time day job and have two young children so it can be hard when I come home at night to find the energy to sit at the laptop and work. However! To address that problem I’ve just bought a cheap, small little laptop which I can carry around with me and bring out when I have ten minutes to spare. Waiting on my daughter to come out of her theatre class last night, for example, I managed to get a little proof-reading done. Today, on a break, I typed up a Q&A and am now writing this post you’re reading.
Hopefully, by doing this sort of “admin” during the day I’ll have more free time at night/weekends to work on the actual writing and editing.
Don’t know why I never thought of getting a little super-portable laptop sooner actually.
My new laptop. It’s so portable!
In general, I get quite stressed about the release date of a new book – it feels like I’m letting my readers down if I don’t publish it as soon as possible. There’s always a slight fear people will get so angry about waiting that they’ll either forget me or stop buying my books! Which seems ridiculous, if you think about it logically. As a reader I’ve never become annoyed at Bernard Cornwell or Terry Pratchett, for example, for not bringing out a new novel every year exactly when I expected it. I forget all about it until I see it’s available then hurry to read it (time allowing!).
And yet, as a writer, I get quite stressed about pushing back a publication date by a month or two. I suppose it keeps me on my toes and working hard.
Still, the good news, for those who ARE getting annoyed with me is that Blood of the Wolf should be out within the next few weeks. I’ve already finished about half my editor’s suggestions and know exactly what to do with the rest. The extra tweaking will be worth it and hopefully lead to an exciting, worthy end to the series.
In the meantime I’ve been buoyed – stunned in fact – to see the other books, particularly Wolf’s Head, zooming right back up the charts on both sides of the pond. That one actually reached number 628 in the overall UK chart last week, which is probably higher than it’s EVER been, outwith special offers or promotions. I have no idea what’s pushing those sales but I’m very happy about it.
Thank you readers, new and old for continuing to buy and review my books!
As a tiny thank you for your loyalty, I’ll give away a signed copy of the new book (with shiny bookmark – woooo!) to a couple of people. Just add a comment here, or email me using the CONTACT button up top, or message me on Facebook/Twitter and let me know you’d like your name in the magic quiver…As always, this is open worldwide.
Coming soon – Blood of the Wolf. Promise! And to whet your appetite, here’s the blurb I came up with for the back cover.
I’m still tweaking it (literally, I just spent half an hour working on this before I make it public here!), so let me know what you think please.
Cheers!
ROBIN HOOD RETURNS!
And this time the legendary wolf’s head is working for the sheriff…
After winning his freedom in Rise of the Wolf, Robin – with his faithful lieutenant John Little at his side – now spends his days travelling around northern England dispensing King Edward II’s justice.
When a new band of outlaws appears in Barnsdale, Sheriff Henry de Faucumberg sends Robin and John to deal with them. Before the lawmen can track them down though, Will Scaflock is attacked and another of their old companions brutally murdered in his own home by the outlaws whose leader has only one thing on his mind:
Bloody vengeance!
Will Robin’s reunited gang be enough to defeat this savage new threat that seeks to wipe them out one by one? Or will another old foe provide the final twist that sees England’s greatest ever longbowman dead and buried?
This stunning conclusion to the bestselling Forest Lord series will delight and entertain readers looking for action packed historical fiction in the mould of Scarrow, Kane and Cornwell!
No, really – coming soon!
